Band Of The Week #292 - Rum Jungle
This week's Band of the Week is Australia's Rum Jungle - who have just released their debut album 'Recency Bias. A true reflection of the band’s evolution, creativity, and the inevitable pull of recent experiences that shape every artist.
Recorded with Simon Dobson at Lakehouse Audio on the Central Coast of Australia, the album was born from weeks of experimentation and refinement. “Our mantra was to fully explore every idea before deciding if it worked or not. It gave us freedom and allowed each song to evolve naturally,” Benny notes. The band even balanced their recording sessions with their ongoing tour, an experience Benny describes as “living our dream." On weekends, they played gigs across Australia, and during the week, they honed their sound in the studio. “We’d listen to rough mixes while on tour, which helped us come back to the studio with fresh ideas.”
The laid-back vibe at Simon’s studio, nestled in the peaceful surroundings of his home, also made an impact. “The studio felt so homely and relaxed, with Simon’s family, chickens, and even a black cat named Pinky around. It was the perfect atmosphere after the chaos of touring,” Benny says.
Rum Jungle set out to push their boundaries with Recency Bias, and the album reflects their desire to showcase their range. “While people might put us into a certain genre box, we’ve never been a band that sticks to one sound,” Benny explains. The album is a mix of 2000s indie guitars, slow ballads, punk energy, hyper-pop production, and even some 60s-inspired elements. “There’s a lot to be said and heard in each tune, and we’re excited to see how people resonate with it.”
At its core, Recency Bias is an album that captures the essence of four musicians, each with their own influences, coming together to create something they are truly proud of. As Benny puts it, “What’s special to us is that we’ve come out the other end with something we each love and are extremely proud of.”
They took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Rum Jungle, how are you? So your album is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?
It feels pretty surreal to have the album out to be honest. So keen to start playing these songs live and see the way people react to them and how we react to them as well on stage.
It is called ‘Recency Bias’ – what is the meaning behind that?
Recency Bias is the idea that “new is always better”. We named the album that because it doesn’t matter how much you love a song you wrote and recorded 5 years ago, the one that you just demoed on voice memos with you acoustic guitar is always going to be your favourite.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
We recorded the majority at Lakehouse Studio with Simon Dobson and also at Sonora Studio with Jacko Nigro and Tasker. With all the sleepless nights at Sonora with the four of us and Tasker and the chaotic chickens at Lakehouse I’m still surprised we came out the other side with this album we are all really proud of.
What are the key influences behind the album?
There was a bunch. Phoenix, The Strokes, Beach Boys. Honestly with us no matter how we start off writing a song it always ends up having all four of our musical influences rub off on it until it turns into a Rum Jungle song.
If the album could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
Shrek 6 hit us up Dreamworks
Do you have a favourite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
For me (Josh) my favourite is “I’m only human so could you humour me” in Always On Your Good Side. Benny nailed it with that one.
Now the album is out there – what next for you?
More shows, more music, more flights, more motels, more beers. Off to North America this year which is a dream come true for us and hopefully some more bucket list stuff happens as well, keep your eyes peeled.
